First Baptist Church Lipan, TX

Hard Praise - Psalm 42Sometimes things aren't okay.Relationship with God takes work.Sometimes the remembrance of the past fuels the faith of the future.Even when you can't feel Him, God is present.When you are struggling in negative situations, look to the source of hope.

Who Are You Listening To? - 1 Samuel 28:3-19Saul's first problem was he focused on His glory rather than God's.Saul's second problem was rather than submitting and repenting, Saul chose to push God.Saul's third problem was he listened to the wrong person.

The Case for the Resurrection - Luke 24:1-12The Word of the WomenThe Ignorance of the DisciplesThe testimony of the SoldiersThe Coverup of the PhariseesHis Post Resurrection Appearances

Four Days Late - John 11:1-45There is purpose in everything Jesus does.God's timing is not our timing.Jesus expects us to do what we can to prepare for Him to work.Although we work to prepare the way, only Jesus can do the true work.Jesus expects us to see His work on through to completion.When Jesus resurrects something, it has to be loosed and let go.

You Can Know You Are Saved - 1 John 5:13A certain faith is based on the proper object.A certain faith requires the proper method of faith.A certain faith is confirmed by the Holy Spirit.A certain faith is confirmed by obedience.

There is a Hell - Luke 16:19-31Hell is a place with real people.Hell is a place of torment.Hell is a place of consciousness.Hell is inescapable.Hell does not have to be our destination.

There is a Heaven - John 14:1-7HEAVEN IS THE PRESENCE OF THE FATHERHEAVEN IS A PLACE OF COMMUNION WITH OTHERSHEAVEN IS BEING PREPARED FOR ITS FUTURE RESIDENTSHEAVEN IS PREPARED FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE PREPARED THEMSELVESJESUS IS THE WAY TO HEAVEN

There is a God - Acts 14:16-17WE CAN KNOW THERE IS A GOD BY THE WITNESS OF CREATION.WE CAN KNOW THERE IS A GOD FROM THE WITNESS OF OUR CONSCIENCE.WE CAN KNOW THERE IS A GOD FROM THE WITNESS OF JESUS.

There is Truth - John 18:36-38We're all searching for truthThe incarnation of Jesus testifies to the truthJesus is the truthHaving the truth changes your lifeThe truth is what God says it is! Not what I want it to be!

When we encounter God's presence - Exodus 3:1-6Whenever a believer encounters God's presence, it will put them in a position of humbleness and reverence before God.A believer can approach the throne of grace (God's presence) whenever we need grace and mercy to deal with life.

A Winning Attitude, Part 2 - Matthew 5:7-12The first work that is required of the Christian is that of mercy, not piety or religion.This beatitude shifts our attention from charity to purity; it examines our motive.A peacemaker is someone who is prepared to pursue peace and pay the high price if necessary.Jesus does not want His disciples under the impression that the Christian life is easy.

A Winning Attitude, Part 1 - Matthew 5: 3-6To be poor in spirit means to be spiritually bankrupt before God.Mourning here are people who are broken hearted because of the sin they have committed against God.A Meek person is someone who understands who and what they are in relation to other people.Hungering and thirsting for righteousness means desiring more than anything the things of God.

Praying Like Jesus Prayed - Matthew 6:9-13OUR PRAYER BEGINS FROM A PLACE OF INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPOUR PERSONAL GOD CANNOT BE MISTAKEN FOR ANYONE EXCEPT THE CREATOR OF THE COSMOSOUR GOD IS HOLY AND SEPARATEDTHY KINGDOM COME IS NOT A HOPEFUL EXPECTATION OF A FUTURE REALITY. IT IS A PLEA TO BE THE AGENTS OF THE KINGDOM IN THE HERE AND NOWWE ARE TO SEEK PRESENT NEED RATHER THAN FUTURE PREPARATIONCLEARLY THE FORGIVENESS OF OUR SINS IS CONNECTED TO OUR FORGIVING THE SINS OF OTHERSOUR PRAYER SHOULD REMIND US OF BOTH OUR NEED FOR GUIDANCE AND PROTECTIONEVERYTHING IS GOD'S AND FOR GOD – ALWAYS HAS BEEN, ALWAYS WILL BEIF WE PRAY AS JESUS TAUGHT, IT CAN REVOLUTIONIZE OUR PRAYER LIFE

Faithful with a Little - Matthew 24:14-30God doesn't give each of us the same thing.When God gives us something, He expects us to use it.God expects us to use what He has given us in proportion.When we're faithful with a little, we're given more.If you're not faithful, what you have is taken from you.

A Fresh Start - Isaiah 43:18-21We must not cling to the past. We cling to our failures. We remain in the glory of God's former work in our lives.God is constantly doing new things.God makes a way where there is no way.God is a God of unexpected blessings.

Setting Up Camp - Genesis 13:8-18The direction you pitch your tents has a direct bearing on your success.Focus colors your priorities and those of your family.Sometimes leftovers are the best.

Lessons from the Beginning - Genesis 1God is First.There is an order.Everything has a purpose.There are instructions to follow.God focused on the needs, not the wants.God took time to rest.

God is a Know It All

A Simple Christmas - Luke 2:8-12Christmas is simply for all people.The message is simple.Salvation is easy.

What Christmas is Really About - Galatians 4:4-7Christmas is about the timing of God.Christmas is about the coming of God.The Son is God Incarnate (In the flesh).Christmas is about the love of God for His creation.Christmas is the beginning of the Easter story.When we see the cradle, we have to see the cross.Christmas is about the forgiveness and adoption of sinners.

Living Life Together - Colossians 3:12-15How we treat others is a decision we make for ourselves based on our relationship to God.Our example of forgiveness is Jesus.Do it all in love.If we do these things, we can live at peace within ourselves, knowing we have lived up to our Father's name.

A Thankful Life - Luke 17:11-19People rarely have a problem asking Jesus to bless or heal them.The issue we have is remembering to thank Jesus for the blessings He bestows.Our need to show thankfulness is in direct relationship to how we view ourselves.A change in attitude sets apart a thankful life from a thankless one.

Who is my neighbor? Luke 10:25-37Philippians 2:3Romans 12:18James 3:6-12

Kingdom Investments for Eternal Dividends - Luke 19:1-10We invest in others by giving our attention.We invest in others by giving our time.We invest in others regardless of the reactions of people around you.We invest in others by treating them with generosity and grace.We invest in others because Jesus first invested in us.When we invest in others, it opens a door for God to move.

Defending the Faith in Church - Titus 1:10-16Dangerous Leaders are religious, but rebellious.Dangerous leaders are teachers, but they are deceivers.We are called to silence false teachers.We are called to rebuke those who follow the false teaching.

Defending the Faith at Home - Acts 4:7-22You must be bold.You must be direct and honest.You must be confident.Love doesn't mean you never offend. It means you aren't offensive.We are called to defend our faith. Not sacrifice it on the altar of hospitality.

Have You Heard - Proverbs 18:17-21Half the story is only half the truth.Once someone is offended, the relationship is hard to repair.Your words have power.The best way to stop a gossip is not participate in the gossip.

Becoming a Great Church - Acts 4:23-31 A Great Church is a Thankful Church.A Great Church is a Praying Church.A Great Church is a United Church.A Great Church is a Praising Church.A Great Church is a Bold Church.A Bold Church Understands that God works through opposition.A Great Church believes in the Impossible.A Great Church is a shaken church.

Conquest: Getting Into Your Promised Land - Joshua 6:1-16To obtain your promised land, you have to believe God.To obtain your promised land, you must do what God tells you to do.To obtain your promised land, you must view God's promises as a current reality.

Finding Forgiveness in Hard Situations - Genesis 50:15-26WHEN YOU HAVE SINNED AGAINST SOMEONE ELSE, GUILT HAS A WAY OF HOLDING ONSIN BETWEEN PEOPLE DAMAGES RELATIONSHIPSIF GOD FORGIVES THE SINS OF OTHERS, WHO ARE WE TO WITHHOLD THAT SAME FORGIVENESSGOD DOESN'T JUST COMMAND FORGIVENESS, GOD COMMANDS GRACEGOD NEVER ABANDONS OR FORGETS HIS PEOPLE

Strangers in a Strange Land - Genesis 47:1-12No matter how comfortable and nice the place we find ourselves is, we must never forget where we call home.You must never be afraid to ask the King for what you want specifically.Our good witness and reputation can bring blessings on those around us.No matter your position, you can be used by God in the lives of people more important than you.

Living Life in This World - Genesis 46:28-34A Son is given to direct the way to new life.True joy is found through faithfulness to God and the willingness to follow His lead.You cannot be ashamed of who you are if you are being who God called you to be.God's people are called to be in the world, but not of the world.

The Move - Genesis 46:1-7Often worship of God comes before a word from God.God is always speaking, but too often we aren't listening.God's promises remain true no matter where you are.Sometimes God's path seems to go in the wrong direction.Our level of faith is proven by our level of obedience.All of God's plans and promises have a purpose.

When God Works - Genesis 45:16-28No matter what position you hold, no action occurs without the approval of the King.Pharaoh is good to Jacob's house for Joseph's sake just as God is good to us for Jesus' sake.Sometimes the easiest time to fall away is when things are going really good.In our lives, God gives a preview of things to come.God's blessings serve the purpose of revitalizing faith.A moment of faith can transform your identity.

The Thing About Forgiveness - Genesis 45:1-15YOU AREN'T READY TO RECEIVE FORGIVENESS UNTIL YOU REACH THE POINT OF GRIEFTRUE FORGIVENESS DOES NOT CONTAIN CONDITIONSTRUE FORGIVENESS DOES NOT DWELL ON THE WRONGSTRUE FORGIVENESS SEEKS TO SEE THE WRONGDOING IN LIGHT OF GOD'S PLANTRUE FORGIVENESS GOES BEYOND MERCY INTO GRACETHE HARDEST FORGIVENESS OF ALL IS THE FORGIVENESS OF SELFTHE THING ABOUT FORGIVENESS IS WHETHER YOU ARE GIVING IT OR RECEIVING IT, IT BRINGS FREEDOM

Strong - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Prayer Is A Weapon Against Sin - Proverbs 6: 16-19

Getting God's Best - Genesis 43To receive God's best, you must release your treasure and trust.A spirit of guilt always creates a spirit of fear and distrust.Jealousy over someone else's blessings can cause great problems in your life.Impairing your senses leaves you vulnerable to those around you.

Clear Vision In a Cloudy World - Genesis 42:27-38WE CANNOT ASSUME A TRUTH BASED ON LIMITED EVIDENCE – IN OTHER WORDS, “YOU CAN'T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER"WHEN YOU LET YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD BE AFFECTED BY OUTSIDE FORCES YOU RISK THE FEELING OF HOPELESSNESS.HOW TO MAINTAIN CLEAR VISION IN A CLOUDY WORLD: DON'T JUDGE WITHOUT CLEAR AND TOTAL EVIDENCE. SEE UNCERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AS OPPORTUNITIES TO HONOR GOD WITH YOUR ACTIONS. MAINTAIN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. TRUST GOD EVEN WHEN THE ROAD SEEMS DARK.

Famine in the Land - Genesis 42:1-26Past failure can lead to present paralysis.Past hurt can cultivate a spirit of fear.God's promises always come true.The true test of growth and forgiveness is how you handle the next situation.Shared sin leads to deep division.

When You Get Everything You Want - Genesis 41:46-57JOSEPH WORKED WITH INTEGRITY THE WORK HE WAS ENTRUSTED WITH.JOSEPH USED HIS GIFTS TO WORK TO GOD'S GLORY.JOSEPH CONTINUED TO BE THANKFUL TO AND RELIANT UPON GOD FOR EVERYTHING IN HIS LIFE.JOSEPH PLACED THE PAIN AND HARDSHIP OF THE PAST ON THE ALTAR OF HIS SOUL.JOSEPH WAS OPEN, FAIR, AND HONEST IN HIS DEALINGS WITH EVERYONE.

God's Faithfulness - Genesis 41:14-45When Men Forget, God Remembers.When God reminds you of something you have forgotten, act on that remembrance.When men can't, God can.We can't take credit for God working through us.When we trust God, we have boldness to do things we wouldn't do otherwise.What others mean for harm, God can use for good.

Forgotten - Genesis 40God never, ever leaves youSometimes hardships are God's way of preparing you for serviceThe proper action for a follower of God is to serve, no matter the situationGod works in His creation how He sees fitWe can't expect our path to be the same as someone else'sSometimes God's answer is wait

Stripped Again - Genesis 39:6-20In order to defeat sin we must first guard ourselves against sin.To defeat sin we must flee from sin when it confronts us.We must be more concerned with what God thinks of us than man.When we are more concerned with God's opinion than man's, we will face opposition from those in the world.Doing what is right doesn't guarantee you'll get what you deserve.The reward God offers outweighs the adversity the world will throw at you.

Giants - 1 Samuel 17:45-47Despite people's opinion about you, the Lord looks at your heartGod will prepare you to face your giant

Favor on Foreign Soil - Genesis 39:1-6JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE AT THE WORST POINT IN YOUR LIFE DOES NOT MEAN GOD ISN'T THERESOMETIMES IT IS IN YOUR WORST TIMES THAT YOU SEE GOD THE CLEARESTGOD USES THESE TIMES TO TEACH US TO RELY ON HIMIF YOU ARE TRULY WALKING WITH GOD, THOSE AROUND YOU SHOULD SEE THE DIFFERENCEA LIFE OF INTEGRITY BREEDS RELATIONSHIPS OF FAVOR & TRUSTGOD USES THOSE WHO TRUST IN HIM TO BLESS THOSE WHO MAY NOT EVEN KNOW HIM

The Betrayal - Genesis 37:12-36DECEIT OR DISHONESTY ALWAYS CAUSES PAIN, CONFUSION, AND/OR ANXIETY.YOU DON'T HAVE TO TELL A LIE TO BE GUILTY OF LYING.JEALOUSY AND ANGER UNCHECKED BECOME A CANCER WITHIN YOU.BETRAYAL REQUIRES RELATIONSHIP.GOD IS NEVER SILENT. HE IS ALWAYS SPEAKING.EVERY ACTION WILL HAVE CONSEQUENCES YOU MUST LIVE WITH.SOMETIMES YOU REALLY REAP WHAT YOU SOW.ONE OF THE GREATEST WORDS IN THE BIBLE IS MEANWHILE.YOU CAN'T STOP GOD'S PLAN.

Faith in Dysfunction - Genesis 37:1-11In the midst of dysfunction, God is still at work.God wants to work in your life to do something great, but you might not see it today.You can have assurance that God has a plan for your life.When it comes to broken relationships, nobody is innocent.When the Father shows you favor, accept it with humility.If God gives you a message that includes others, share it appropriately.

Act Like Andrew - John 1:35-42

Who is this Jesus? - Matthew 16:13-20What we believe about Jesus is often colored by what others have said.What we believe about Jesus must come from the true source.What we believe about Jesus must move us from information to transformation.The Church is built on the confession of believers.Our confession of Christ gives us the power to beat death, and a relationship to live like they do in Heaven.Who you say Jesus is will determine if you will share Him.

How Do I Love Thee? - John 21:15-23Jesus doesn't sweep problems under the rug.Believers must decide the place Jesus holds in our lifeDo you love Jesus more than the things that bring you security?Do you love Jesus more than you love others?Do you love Jesus more than others do?The ministry Jesus has for someone else has no bearing on his ministry for me.